I have had work done at Queanbeyan and Fyshwick (don’t know if they’re still there). I think in the surrounding region QBN does good work.

Have also heard great things about Lyneham, my brother recently got some more work done out there and he was full of rave reviews.

Just another plug for Queanbeyan; Recently had a fund raiser for a sick mate and they very kindly donated about three hundred dollars worth of vouchers. Very pleased with the outcome; as both of the winners were mates and they were stoked with the work.

1. When you decide you want a tattoo, don’t get one.
2. If you really still think you want one, go along to a palour and then go home
3. If you still really really want one, go along to a palour and check out their designs, then go home
4. If you still really really really want one, then find a design that really means something to you because, as pointed out, it will be for life. Once you have settled on the design, go home
5. Are you starting to get the drift?

NB. Do not get your first tatt like I did. About to be deployed to Fiji in 87, sitting with all the gear in a C130 at Richmond airbase, nothing happens, Section hits Kings Cross that night, Section wakes up with lots of Army tatts everywhere! (I still like it though…)

While on the subject of rules/regs. I’d say it’s fairly wise not to have one done whilst drunk.

I also knew a person who had a ‘symbol’ that represented a band, ‘branded’ on the shoulder. Sadly that band did not go down as one of the greats and said person was left a lower case, back the front ‘n’ – doing your research pays!

several years ago a guy i know with a strong interest in body piercing, branding etc tried to setup a shop in qld. the day it opened he was paid a visit by some heavies from a well known motorcycle ganag. they threatened him with death if he went ahead. he went ahead and was beaten, hospitalised, his shop broken into and all gear stolen.

what did the qld police do ? can you say nothing. basically said it was his fault.

Chris Cashmore @ Tattoo Power in Nth Lyneham. Best work in ACT in my opinion. If you can get in to see him it’s worth the wait & the $$$. I have a few tats, and a lot of my friends have them, so I have seen most work available. He’s a tad dearer but whatâ€™s a few extra $$ for good work.

Biro @ Forever Art in Fyshwick is sporadic. He can do really really excellent work when wants but he can also do b grade stuff. I was fortunate to get a good one done by him but I probably won’t go back.

Just so happens I got a tatt done last Monday…my first one. After asking around, I went to North Lyneham. Not Chris….Patto, who has equally as good a reputation. He did an excellent job I reckon, although the tatt I got hardly stretched his artistic abilities.

Oh..& yes, I waited until I was sure before I got one. I’ve wanted one since I was a teenager (I’m now 33), but glad I waited. I’m sure I’d be unhappy with my choice of tatt at 18. As soon as I knew what I really wanted to get done…I did it.